ECOLOGÍA Y SITUACIÓN ACTUAL DE LA FAMILIA COLUMBIDAE EN LA RESERVA DE LA BIOSFERA LOS TUXTLAS, VERACRUZ

RESUMEN Analizamos la presencia y abundancia de palomas tropicales residentes en la Reserva de la Biosfera Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, México durante las épocas reproductivas de 2010 y 2011. Se emplearon distintos métodos de conteo para maximizar el registro del mayor número de especies y superar las dificultades del terreno y la vegetación. Muestreamos principalmente a través de transectos y puntos de conteo en bosque tropical perennifolio, bosque mesófilo de montaña, bosque de pino‐encino y áreas agropecuarias, y registramos 512 individuos de 12 de las 17 especies reportadas históricamente. Las especies registradas en el presente fueron: Patagioenas cayennensis, P. speciosa, P. flavirostris, P. nigrirostris, Columbina inca, C. talpacoti, Claravis pretiosa, Geotrygon montana, Leptotila verreauxi, L. plumbeiceps, Zentrygon carrikeri (endémica) y Zenaida asiatica. La mayor riqueza se observó en el bosque tropical perennifolio, en donde la especie más abundante fue L. verreauxi. La abundancia varió significativamente entre tipos de vegetación para L. verreauxi, L. plumbeiceps y Z. carrikeri, posiblemente debido a los diferentes niveles de tolerancia a la perturbación. El bosque mesófilo de montaña fue el hábitat utilizado en mayor proporción a lo esperado para la mayoría de las especies examinadas como: P. flavirostris, C. pretiosa, L. verreauxi, L. plumbeiceps y Z. carrikeri. Las preferencias de hábitat más amplias correspondieron a P. flavirostris, C. pretiosa y L. verreauxi. Tres especies fueron exclusivas a un tipo de vegetación (P. cayennensis y P. nigrirostris en bosque tropical perennifolio; P. speciosa en bosque mesófilo de montaña). El volcán San Martín Pajapan, una de las áreas núcleo de la Reserva de la Biósfera fue muestreada por primera vez, y registramos a L. verreauxi, L. plumbeiceps, al igual que a una importante población de Z. carrikeri, especie endémica cuyas poblaciones conocidas están limitadas a otras tres áreas montañosas de la región. Las poblaciones de palomas que habitan en interior de bosque se encuentran ubicadas en fragmentos de bosque primario aislados, por lo que deben establecerse corredores para evitar el aislamiento de las poblaciones remanentes de especies de palomas en riesgo. ABSTRACT ∙ Ecology and status of pigeons and doves (Columbidae) in Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, Veracruz, MexicoWe analyzed the presence and abundance of tropical resident pigeons and doves (Columbidae) in Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, Veracruz, Mexico, during the breeding seasons of 2010 and 2011. We used different survey methods to maximize the detection of different species and overcome terrain and vegetation limitations. We surveyed the area mostly through transects and point counts in evergreen tropical forest, cloud forest, pine‐oak forest, and agricultural areas, including the Reserve core areas, recording 512 individuals of 12 out of 17 columbid species reported historically for the area. We were able to confirm Patagioenas cayennensis, P. speciosa, P. flavirostris, P. nigrirostris, Columbina inca, C. talpacoti, Claravis pretiosa, Geotrygon montana, Leptotila verreauxi, L. plumbeiceps, Zentrygon carrikeri (endemic), and Zenaida asiatica. The tropical evergreen forest is the vegetation type with the highest species richness, and the most abundant species was L. verreauxi. Abundance varied significantly among vegetation types for L. verreauxi, L. plumbeiceps, and Zentrygon carrikeri, possibly due to differences in their tolerance to disturbance. Cloud forest stood out as the most important habitat as it was used more than expected by species such as P. flavirostris, C. pretiosa, L. verreauxi, L. plumbeiceps, and Z. carrikeri. The species with the broadest habitat preferences were P. flavirostris, C. pretiosa, and L. verreauxi. Three species were exclusive to a single vegetation type (P. cayennensis and P. nigrirostris to evergreen tropical forest; P. speciosa to cloud forest). The volcán San Martín Pajapan, one of the Bio‐ sphere Reserve core areas was surveyed for the first time, and we recorded L. verreauxi, L. plumbeiceps, as well as an important population of Z. carrikeri, the latter endemic species being previously only known from three other Mexican mountain ranges. The populations of doves and pigeons inhabiting the forest interior are mostly located in isolated primary forest fragments, therefore corridors should be established to avoid the isolation of the remaining endangered dove populations

Bird faunas of the humid montane forests of Mesoamerica: biogeographic patterns and priorities for conservation

The distribution of 335 species of birds in 33 islands of humid montane forest in Mesoamerica is summarized, and patterns of distribution, diversity and endemism are analysed. The montane forests of Costa Rica and western Panama far exceed other habitat islands considered for species-richness, richness of species endemic to Mesoamerica, and richness of species ecologically restricted to humid montane forests. Other regions, such as the Sierra Madre del Sur of Guerrero and Oaxaca, the Los Tuxtlas region of southern Veracruz and the mountains of Chiapas and Guatemala, also hold rich and endemic avifaunas. Based on patterns of similarity of avifaunas, the region can be divided into seven regions holding distinctive avifaunas (Costa Rica and western Panama; northern Central America and northern Chiapas; southern Chiapas; eastern Mexico north of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec; Sierra Madre del Sur; interior Oaxaca; and Transvolcanic Belt and Sierra Madre Occidental), which serve as useful guides for the setting of priorities for conservation action. Se resumen las distribuciones de 335 especies de aves en 33 islas de bosque humedo de montana en Mesoamerica, y se analizan patrones de distribution, diversidad y endemismo. Los bosques montanos de Costa Rica y del oeste de Panama tienen la mas alta riqueza de especies, riqueza de especies endemicas a Mesoamerica, y riqueza de especies ecologicamente restringidas a bosque humedo de montana. Otras regiones, tales como la Sierra Madre del Sur de Guerrero y Oaxaca, la region de Los Tuxtlas y las montanas de Chiapas y Guatemala, tambien tienen avifaunas ricas en especies y en endemicas. Basado en patrones de similitud de avifaunas, se puede dividir Mesoamerica en siete regiones que tienen avifaunas distintas (Costa Rica y el oeste de Panama; el norte de Centroamerica y el norte de Chiapas; el sur de Chiapas; el este de Mexico; la Sierra Madre del Sur; el interior de Oaxaca; y el Eje Neovolcanico y la Sierra Madre Occidental), las cuales pueden servir como guias en el establecimiento de prioridades para la conservation

La Avifauna de la región de las Altas Montañas de Veracruz, México

Objective: In the region, no formal studies are systematizing the total richness of bird species, the data here presented has been generated by the authors though several observation initiatives; as well as publications and materials for its diffusion. The main objective is to announce the ornithological richness, an overview of its situation, the activities carried out to encourage its knowledge, conservation, and the troubles faced Design/methodology/approach: A bibliographic review, observations, and auditive records of birds were conducted in situ, following Ralph et al. techniques in the nine types of vegetation encompassed in the region, added with the revision of National Collection of Birds from UNAM and CONABIO databases. Results: We report 515 bird species, 119 are under risk, 79% were in situ records, and 21% from additional sources. 50 species have some endemism status, 14 have shown expansion in their distribution, 65.2% are residents and 34.8% have some migrant status. Finally, eight different problems affecting birds are here reported. Limitations on study/implications: Have no in situ records of birds in 12 municipalities of the region due to a scarce relationship with authorities and lack of budget Findings/conclusions: The ornithological richness encompassing here holds 71.6% of the state. It is necessary to expand the monitoring effort in 12 municipalities where there are no bird data records. The region is ideal for avitourism, especially as it has the widest altitude gradient, not only in Mexico but in North and Central America.Objetivo: En la región de las Altas Montañas de Veracruz no existen estudios formales que sistematicen la riqueza total de especies de aves, a pesar de que en ella se ubican Áreas de Importancia para la Conservación de las Aves y Áreas Naturales Protegidas (federales y estatales); en la región se cuenta con una red de monitoreo comunitario de aves y los autores recientemente han originado diversas publicaciones y materiales para la difusión de la avifauna de la región. El objetivo principal es dar a conocer la riqueza ornitológica de la región, un panorama de su situación y su problemática, así como las actividades que se están realizando para impulsar su conocimiento y conservación. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Se llevó a cabo una revisión bibliográfica, observaciones y registros auditivos de aves in situ siguiendo la técnica de búsqueda intensiva de Ralph et al., en los nueve tipos de vegetación presentes en la región, así como también se revisó la base de datos de CONABIO-AVER-AVES y la Colección Nacional de Aves de la UNAM. Resultados: Se obtuvo una riqueza de 514 especies, de las cuales, el 79% fueron especies registradas in situ y el 21% de otras fuentes; 50 especies presentan algún estatus de endemismo, 14 muestran ampliación en su distribución, así como también se reportan ocho diferentes problemáticas que afectan a las aves. El 65.2% de las especies registradas se consideran residentes y el 34.8% muestran algún estatus de migración. Del total de especies, 119 se encuentran en alguna lista de especies en riesgo. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: El no contar con registros in situ de 12 de los municipios debido a la poca relación con las autoridades y la falta de presupuesto. Conclusiones: La riqueza ornitológica de la región de las Altas Montañas abarca el 71.6% de las especies registradas para el estado de Veracruz. Los resultados indican que se debe ampliar el esfuerzo de monitoreo en 12 de 57 municipios de la región, donde no se tienen registros de datos ornitológicos, es decir, siguen inexplorados desde el punto de visto ornitológico. Por otra parte, tomando en cuenta esta gran riqueza de aves, la región tiene un alto potencial para el aviturismo, dado el amplio gradiente altitudinal que presenta, uno de los más amplios, no solo de México, sino de Norte y Centroamérica

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Mesoamerican Scarlet Macaws in an Ex Situ Breeding Population in Mexico

Given the interest in the conservation of the Mesoamerican scarlet macaw (Ara macao cyanoptera), the Xcaret Park formed an initial reproductive population about 30 years ago, which has progressively grown to a considerable population in captivity. In this work, we focus on the evaluation of the genetic diversity of the captive population, taking two groups into account: its founding (49) and the current breeding individuals (166). The genetic analysis consisted of genotyping six nuclear microsatellite loci that are characterized by their high variability. Tests for all loci revealed a Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in four loci of the founders and in no loci of the breeding groups. The results showed that the genetic variation in the Xcaret population was relatively high (founders He = 0.715 SE = 0.074, breeding pairs He = 0.763 SE = 0.050), with an average polymorphism of 7.5 (4–10) alleles per locus in founders and 8.3 (4–14) in breeding pairs. No significant differences in the evaluated genetic diversity indexes were found between both groups. This indicates that the genetic variability in Xcaret has been maintained, probably due to the high number of pairs and the reproductive management strategy. Bayesian analysis revealed five different genetic lineages present in different proportions in the founders and in the breeding pairs, but no population structure was observed between founders and breeding individuals. The analyzed captive individuals showed levels of genetic diversity comparable to reported values from Ara macao wild populations. These data indicate that the captive population has maintained a similar genetic diversity as the metapopulation in the Mayan Forest and is an important resource for reintroduction projects, some of which began more than five years ago and are still underway

New bird records for Cozumel Island found in scientific collections Nuevos registros de aves para la Isla Cozumel encontrados en colecciones científicas

We report here 4 new bird records found among a large-scale compilation of specimen records in museums worldwide, Atlas de las Aves de Mexico. The new records are for 4 migratory species, Empidonax alnorum (Alder Flycatcher), Vireo solitarius (Solitary Vireo), Catharus fuscescens (Veery), and Zonotrichia leucophrys (White-crowned Sparrow). These species are not to-date known from Cozumel, although they are considered transients in the Yucatán Peninsula.Se encontraron 4 nuevos registros de especies de aves para la Isla Cozumel obtenidos a través del análisis de un compendio de registros de ejemplares de aves depositados en los museos del mundo, Atlas de las Aves de México. Las especies encontradas fueron Empidonax alnorum (mosquero ailero), Vireo solitarius (vireo cabeza azul), Catharus fuscescens (zorzal rojizo) y Zonotrichia leucophrys (gorrión corona blanca). Para estas especies no se tenían registros en la Isla Cozumel aunque se consideran migratorias "de paso" en el área de la península de Yucatán

New bird records for cozumel island found in scientific collections

AbstractWe report here 4 new bird records found among a large-scale compilation of specimen records in museums worldwide, Atlas de las Aves de Mexico. The new records are for 4 migratory species, Empidonax alnorum (Alder Flycatcher), Vireo solitarius (Solitary Vireo), Catharus fuscescens (Veery), and Zonotrichia leucophrys (White-crowned Sparrow). These species are not to-date known from Cozumel, although they are considered transients in the Yucatán Peninsula

Data from: Genomic footprints of adaptation in a cooperatively breeding tropical bird across a vegetation gradient

Identifying the genetic basis of phenotypic variation and its relationship with the environment is key to understanding how local adaptations evolve. Such patterns are especially interesting among populations distributed across habitat gradients, where genetic structure can be driven by isolation by distance (IBD) and/or isolation by environment (IBE). Here, we used variation in ~1,600 high-quality SNPs derived from paired-end sequencing of double-digest restriction site-associated DNA (ddRAD-Seq) to test hypotheses related to IBD and IBE in the Yucatan jay (Cyanocorax yucatanicus), a tropical bird endemic to the Yucatán Peninsula. This peninsula is characterized by a precipitation and vegetation gradient—from dry to evergreen tropical forests—that is associated with morphological variation in this species. We found a moderate level of nucleotide diversity (π = .008) and little evidence for genetic differentiation among vegetation types. Analyses of neutral and putatively adaptive SNPs (identified by complementary genome-scan approaches) indicate that IBD is the most reliable explanation to account for frequency distribution of the former, while IBE has to be invoked to explain those of the later. These results suggest that selective factors acting along a vegetation gradient can promote local adaptation in the presence of gene flow in a vagile, nonmigratory and geographically restricted species. The putative candidate SNPs identified here are located within or linked to a variety of genes that represent ideal targets for future genomic surveys